Footwear accessory device

ABSTRACT

A footwear accessory device includes a thin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The thin, flexible element forms a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion. A decorative element is coupled to one of the leg portions and is exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element. One or more first fastening devices are coupled to the base portion and a second fastening device is coupled to each of the first and second leg portions. The one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage respective ones of the second fastening devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a footwear accessory device and, moreparticularly relates to a temporary footwear accessory device that isadorned with one or more decorative elements or embellishments.

BACKGROUND

Embellishments on footwear are known and exist in various forms. Thevast majority of embellishments on footwear are permanent in nature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a footwear accessory device includes a thin, flexibleelement having a first major surface and a second major surface oppositethe first major surface. The thin, flexible element forms a baseportion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the baseportion and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of thebase portion. A decorative element is coupled to one of the leg portionsand is exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element. Oneor more first fastening devices are coupled to the base portion and asecond fastening device is coupled to each of the first and second legportions. The one or more first fastening devices are configured tosecurely engage respective ones of the second fastening devices.

In general, the footwear accessory device is adapted to be temporarilycoupled to the footwear and, subsequently removed with a great degree ofease.

In some implementations, the thin flexible element is a substantiallynon-rigid material, such as leather, suede, textiles, cloth, woolgabardine, rubber, plastic or the like. In some implementations, thesubstantially non-rigid material is formed from a plurality of flatmetal (or similar material) links coupled to one another in a mannerthat facilitates flexibility.

A coupling agent typically couples the decorative element to the first(or second) leg portion. The coupling agent can be, for example,adhesive material, a sewn thread connection, a hook and loop connection,a snap connection, a button connection or the like.

In a typical implementation, the first leg portion and the second legportion extend from the first end of the base portion in respectivelengthwise directions. Moreover, the width of the first leg portiontypically is greater than a width of the second leg portion.

The first leg portion can be bent at a distal end thereof to define afirst foot section, and the second leg portion can be bent at a distalend thereof to define a second foot section. The width of the first footsection can be greater than a width of the second foot section. Thedecorative element can be coupled to the first foot section of the firstleg portion.

The first leg portion generally extends from the base portion in adifferent direction than the second leg portion. However, in someimplementations, the first leg portion and the second leg portion can besubstantially parallel to one another.

A distal end of the first leg portion typically has two or more sidesthat are contoured so that if the first leg portion is folded over thebase portion and the second fastening device on the first leg portion iscoupled to one or more of the first fastening devices of the baseportion, each of the two or more contoured sides on the distal end ofthe first leg portion is registered with corresponding sides of the baseportion. Additionally, a distal end of the second leg portion typicallyhas two or more sides that are contoured so that if the second legportion is folded over the base portion and the second fastening deviceon the second leg portion is coupled to one of the one or more firstfastening devices of the base portion, each of the two or more contouredsides on the distal end of the second leg portion is registered withcorresponding sides of the base portion.

In some implementations, the second fastening devices are coupled to theflexible element at one of the first or second major surfaces oppositeto the first or a second major surface where the decorative element iscoupled.

The flexible element can be, for example, substantially Y-shaped,substantially V-shaped or substantially U-shaped with a curved orsubstantially flat bottom.

The first and second fastening devices generally are re-closeablefasteners, such as hook and loop type fastening elements, snap-basedfasteners, button-based fasteners, hook and eye-based fasteners, threadeye-based fasteners, frog and toggle-based fasteners.

The decorative element can be secured to the first or second majorsurface of the flexible element. The one or more first fastening devicescan be connected, for example, to a first one of the first and secondmajor surfaces where the second fastening device is connected to anopposite one of the first and second major surfaces.

In another aspect, a method of temporarily decorating footwear isdisclosed. The footwear includes a sole portion and one or more strapscoupled to the sole portion and arranged to engage a person's foot. Themethod includes providing a footwear accessory device that includes athin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second majorsurface opposite the first major surface. The thin, flexible elementforms a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first endof the base portion and a second leg portion that extends from the firstend of the base portion. A decorative element is coupled to one of theleg portions and is exposed at the first major surface of the flexibleelement. One or more first fastening devices are coupled to the baseportion and a second fastening device is coupled to each of the firstand second leg portions. The one or more first fastening devices areconfigured to securely engage respective ones of the second fasteningdevices. The method further includes securing the footwear accessorydevice to the footwear by folding the first leg portion, the second legportion and/or the base portion around one or more of the straps on thefootwear.

In some implementations, the footwear is a flip flop and the one or morestraps include a thong fitting proximate a front end of the flip flop, afirst strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a first side ofthe sole portion and a second strap portion extending from the thongfitting to a second side of the sole portion. In those implementations,the method includes positioning the footwear accessory device so thatthe first and second leg portions extend in a substantially forwarddirection relative to the flip flop under the first and second strapportions, respectively, with the thong fitting of the flip flop extendedbetween the first and second leg portions, folding the second legportion over at least part of the second strap portion and fastening thesecond leg portion to the base portion and folding the first leg portionover at least part of the first strap portion and part of the second legportion and fastening the first leg portion to the base portion.

Certain embodiments include fastening the second leg portion to the baseportion and fastening the first leg portion to the base portioncomprises fastening a hook and loop style fastening means, fastening oneor more snap connections, fastening one or more or buttons into buttonholes. A variety of other options are possible as well.

In some implementations, the footwear is a sandal with one moresubstantially straight straps that extend from a first side of thesandal to a second side of the sandal to engage a person's foot byextending over the foot. In those implementations, the method includespositioning the footwear accessory device so that the first and secondleg portions extend under the one or more substantially straight straps,folding the first and second leg portions over respective parts of theone or more substantially straight straps and fastening the first andsecond leg portions to the base portion.

The one or more first fastening devices can be connected to a first oneof the first and second major surfaces and wherein the second fasteningdevice is connected to an opposite one of the first and second majorsurfaces. In those instances, the method further includes folding thebase portion over the one or more straps so that the one or more firstfastening devices face substantially away from the sole to engage eachof the second fastening devices.

The one or more straps can include one or more substantially straightstraps, two or more crossed straps; flip-flop style straps, cross-shapedstraps and shoelaces.

In yet another aspect, an assembly includes footwear having a soleportion and one or more straps (including, for example, laces) coupledto the sole portion and configured to engage a person's foot; and afootwear accessory device coupled to the one or more straps. Thefootwear accessory device includes a thin, flexible element having afirst major surface and a second major surface opposite the first majorsurface. The flexible element has a base portion, a first leg portionthat extends from a first end of the base portion and a second legportion that extends from the first end of the base portion. Adecorative element is coupled to the first leg portion and exposed atthe first major surface of the flexible element. One or more firstfastening devices are coupled to the base portion. A second fasteningdevice coupled to each of the first and second leg portions. The one ormore first fastening devices are configured to securely engage each ofthe second fastening elements. One or more of the first leg portion, thesecond leg portion and the base portion are folded around the one ormore straps on the footwear.

In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages arepresent.

For example, an easy to apply and easy to remove decorative footwearaccessory device enables a person to adorn a variety of footwear styles.Additionally, an opportunity is provided to adorn footwear with a widevariety of one or more decorative elements/embellishments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a footwearaccessory device.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the footwear accessory device ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a rear elevation view of the footwear accessory device ofFIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are top views showing the footwear accessory device ofFIG. 1A being coupled to a flip flop.

FIG. 2D is a top view of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 1A with alarge decorative element coupled to a flip flop.

FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of a footwearaccessory device.

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the footwear accessory device ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a rear elevation view of the footwear accessory device ofFIG. 3A.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are top views showing the footwear accessory device ofFIG. 3A being coupled to a flip flop.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are top views of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 3Abeing coupled to a sandal.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top views showing alternate ways to align the footwearaccessory device of FIG. 1A for connection to footwear having analternative strap design. Like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A footwear accessory device 100 is disclosed herein in the form of arelatively simple, decorative device that can easily be coupled to andsubsequently removed from engagement with different styles of footwear(e.g., sandals, flip flops and even shoes or sneakers). In a typicalimplementation, the device is adapted so that it can be coupled to oneor more straps or one or more laces on the footwear. The ease with whichthe footwear accessory device 100 can be connected to and removed fromfootwear makes it an ideal accessory to adorn an otherwisemundane-looking flip flop, for example, and make it look much moreinteresting and stylish.

The footwear accessory devices 100 can include various differentdecorative elements (e.g., jewels, ribbons, bows, etc.) and includedifferent colors, patterns, textures and combinations thereof. Given thenumerous potential design options, a consumer could temporarily changethe look of footwear they already own or new footwear on which theycould add their own creative vision.

It is anticipated, therefore, that a particular consumer may, forexample, own multiple footwear accessory devices 100, each of whichhaving a different decorative appearance. Thus, the consumer may, whentravelling, for example, may bring fewer pairs of footwear (e.g.,sandals or the like) than he/she otherwise would have brought, but bringmultiple different footwear accessory devices 100 to change up the lookof the footwear throughout the trip. This, therefore, would enable thewearer to create the impression of multiple different pairs of footwearwithout the inconvenience of having to carry multiple different pairs offootwear while travelling.

FIGS. 1A-1C show an exemplary implementation of a footwear accessorydevice 100.

The illustrated footwear accessory device 100 is formed from a thin,flexible element 102. The thin, flexible element may be formed, forexample, from a substantially non-rigid material, such as leather,suede, a textile, cloth, wool gabardine, rubber, plastic or combinationsthereof. In some implementations, the substantially non-rigid materialcan include a plurality of flat metal links (or the like) coupled to oneanother in a manner that facilitates flexibility of the overallstructure.

In the illustrated implementation, the thin, flexible element 102 has afirst major surface 104 (facing out of the page in FIG. 1A) and a secondmajor surface 106 (facing into the page in FIG. 1A) opposite the firstmajor surface 104.

The thin, flexible element 102 is in a substantially Y-shaped form.However, in other embodiments, the thin flexible element 102 can besubstantially V-shaped, substantially U-shaped or have any other shapethat would lend itself to the uses disclosed herein.

The Y-shaped form of the thin, flexible element 102 includes a baseportion 108, a first leg portion 110 a and a second leg portion 110 b.The base portion 108 in the illustrated implementation is substantiallyrectangular. The first leg portion 110 a extends from a first end (i.e.,an upper end) of the base portion 108 in a first direction. The secondleg portion 110 b also extends from the first end (i.e., the upper end)of the base portion 108, but in a second direction that is differentthan the first direction.

In the illustrated implementation, there is an angle 0 between the firstand second leg portions 110 a, 110 b. In a typical implementation, theangle θ is between about 45 and 90 degrees. More typically, the angle θis between about 60 and 80 degrees. In other embodiments, the first andsecond can be configured in a different manner than shown in the figure.For example, in some implementations, the shape of the bottom of thedevice may be U-shaped or a variety of other shapes.

In the illustrated implementation, the first leg portion 110 a is bentat a distal end thereof to define a first foot section 114 a and thesecond leg portion 110 b is bent at a distal end thereof to define asecond foot section 114 b.

The illustrated footwear accessory device 100 includes a decorativeelement 112 (represented schematically as a rectangle in FIG. 1A)exposed at (and coupled to) its first major surface 104. In theillustrated implementation, the decorative element 112 is coupled to thefirst leg portion 110 a and, more particularly, is coupled to the firstfoot section 114 a of the first leg portion 110 a. However, in otherimplementations, the decorative element can be coupled to other parts ofthe thin, flexible element 102, such as to the second leg portion 110 bor even the base portion 108. Moreover, the decorative element 112 canbe coupled to any area on the second major surface 106 of the thinflexible element 102.

The decorative element 112 can be any kind of decorative element and istypically designed so that it enhances the aesthetic appeal of thefootwear accessory device 100.

The decorative element 112 can be coupled to the thin, flexible element102 with a coupling agent, such as adhesive material, a sewn threadconnection, a hook and loop connection, a snap connection or a buttonconnection, etc. In some implementations, the decorative element 112 iscoupled to the thin, flexible element by virtue of having a couplingelement connected to it that gets wrapped around the thin, flexiblemember 102.

In some implementations, the footwear accessory device 100 can includemultiple decorative elements 112. In those implementations, thedecorative elements 112 can be the same or different from one anotherand can be positioned about the thin, flexible element in a variety ofways. They can be coupled to one or both of the major surfaces 104, 106and can be arranged to form a variety of patterns, etc. on one or bothof the surfaces 104, 106.

In a typical implementation, the portions of the thin, flexible element102 that support the decorative element (or elements) may havephysically larger dimensions that other similar portions of the thin,flexible element that are not supporting a decorative element. In theillustrated example, the first leg portion 110 a, including the firstfoot section 114 a, support the decorative element 112, whereas thesimilar second leg portion, including the second foot section 114 b, donot support any decorative element. Therefore, in the illustratedimplementation, the first leg portion 110 a is wider than the second legportion 110 b (i.e., W1>W2) and the first foot section 114 a is widerthan the second foot section 114 b (i.e., W3>W4). In someimplementations, the first leg portion 110 a has the same width as thesecond leg portion 110 b and/or the first foot section 114 a has thesame width as the second foot section 114 b.

FIG. 1B shows the substantially uniform thickness of the thin, flexibleelement 102 and the decorative element 112 projecting from the firstmajor surface 104 of the thin, flexible element 102.

FIG. 1C shows fastening devices 116 a, 116 b and 116 c coupled to thedistal ends of the base portion 108, the first leg portion 110 a and thesecond leg portion 110 b. In the illustrated implementation, thefastening devices 116 a, 116 b and 116 c include a first fasteningdevice 116 a on the base portion 108 and second fastening devices 116 b,116 c on each of the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b. Ingeneral, the fastening devices 116 a, 116 b, 116 c are adapted so thatthe first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b can be folded over andtemporarily coupled to the base portion 108. So, for example, the firstfastening device 116 a can be a loop-type fastening device and thesecond fastening devices 116 b, 116 c can be hook-type fastening devicesso that the fastening devices 116 a, 116 b, 116 c collectively form hookand loop type connections (e.g., Velcro™ connections). Other fasteningdevices 116 a, 116 b, 116 c can be used as well including, for example,reusable adhesive material, snap connections, button connections, etc.

In the illustrated implementation, the fastening devices 116 a, 116 band 116 c extend over substantially the entire distal ends of the baseportion 108, the first leg portion 110 a (including the first footsection 114 a) and the second leg portion 110 b (including the secondfoot section 114 b). This, however, can vary. In some embodiments, thefastening devices can cover only part of the distal ends of the baseportion 108, the first leg portion 110 a and the second leg portion 110b and may or may not extend all the way to the distal tips thereof.

Similarly, if the fastening devices are buttons or the like, thebuttons/button holes can be positioned in any manner that is convenient.

FIGS. 2A-2D show the footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1 beingcoupled to footwear, which in the illustrated example is a flip flop220.

The flip flop 220 has a sole portion 221, a thong fitting 224 thatextends from the sole portion 221, a first strap portion 222 a and asecond strap portion 222 b that extend from the thong fitting 224. Whenworn, the thong fitting 224 typically would reside between a person'sbig toe and second toe. The first strap portion 222 a extends from thethong fitting 224 to a first side of the sole portion 221 and the secondstrap portion 222 b extends from the thong fitting 224 to a second sideof the sole portion 221 opposite the first side.

According to the illustrated method the footwear accessory device 100 issecured to the flip flop 220 by folding the first leg portion 110 a andthe second leg portion 110 b around the first and second strap portions222 a, 222 b on the flip flop.

More particularly, the method includes first positioning the footwearaccessory device 100, as shown in FIG. 2A, so that the first and secondleg portions 110 a, 110 b extend in a substantially forward directionrelative to the flip flop 220 under the first and second strap portions222 a, 222 b, respectively, with the thong fitting 224 of the flip flop220 extended between the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second leg portion 110 b is folded overat least part of the second strap portion 110 b and fastened to the baseportion 108. More particularly, the fastening device 116 c on the secondleg portion 110 b is fastened to a portion of the fastening device 116 aon the base portion 108.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first leg portion 110 a is folded over atleast part of the first strap portion 222 a and part of the second legportion 110 b and is fastened to the base portion 108. Moreparticularly, the fastening device 116 b on the first leg portion 110 ais fastened to a portion of the fastening device 116 a on the baseportion 108.

In the folded configuration of FIG. 2C, the decorative element 112 isexposed for viewing. Moreover, the footwear accessory device 100 istightly coupled to the straps of the flip flop 220. Additionally, thefolded-over portions of the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 bcollectively cover the entire fastening device 116 on the base portion108 of the footwear accessory device 100. Lateral movement across thefoot of the wearer is substantially prevented by the footwear accessorydevice's 100 engagement to the thong fitting 224.

In the illustrated example, the distal end of the first leg portion 110a has two sides 230 a, 230 b that are contoured so that when the firstleg portion 110 a is folded over and secured to the base portion 108,the two contoured sides 230 a, 230 b on the distal end of the first legportion 110 a are registered with (i.e., aligned with) correspondingsides 232 a, 232 b of the base portion 108, respectively. Moreover, thedistal end of the second leg portion 110 b has two sides 234 a, 234 bthat are contoured so that if the second leg portion 110 b is foldedover and secured to the base portion 108, the two contoured sides 234 a,234 b on the distal end of the second leg portion 110 b are registeredwith corresponding sides 232 b, 232 c of the base portion, respectively.This arrangement ensures a clean looking, compact device 100 when in thefolded position of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2D shows an example of what the flip flop 220 of FIG. 2C would looklike if the decorative element 112 where a large element.

FIGS. 3A to 3C show another exemplary implementation of a footwearaccessory device 300.

The illustrated footwear accessory device 300 is similar to the footwearaccessory device 100 of FIG. 1, but with a few exceptions.

For example, the shape of the base portion 308, the first leg portion310 a and the second leg portion 310 b in the footwear accessory device300 of FIG. 3A is somewhat different than the corresponding shapes inthe footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1A.

Additionally, the fastening devices 316 a, 316 b and 316 c are in theform of snap-type connections. Moreover, the snap-type connections onthe base portion 308 are on the first major surface 304, whereas thesnap-type connections on the first leg portion 310 a and the second legportion 310 b are on the second major surface 306, opposite the firstmajor surface 304. The snap-type connections on the first and second legportions 310 a, 310 b are adapted to engage respective ones of thesnap-type connections on the base portion 308.

Also, the illustrated footwear accessory device 300 does not includefoot sections (although in some embodiments, foot sections could beadded to the illustrated footwear accessory device 300), like the firstand second foot sections 114 a, 114 b in the footwear accessory device100 of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 4A-4D show the footwear accessory device 300 of FIG. 3A beingcoupled to footwear, which in the illustrated example is a flip flop220.

According to the illustrated method, the footwear accessory device 300is secured to the flip flop 220 by folding the base portion 308 up andthen folding the first leg portion 310 a and the second leg portion 310b so that 310 b is over 310 a around the first and second strap portions222 a, 222 b on the flip flop to connect the snap-type connections.Typically, the thinner of the leg portions would be folded first and thethicker of the leg portions—with the embellishment—would be foldedsecond.

More particularly, the method includes first positioning the footwearaccessory device 300, as shown in FIG. 4A, so that the first and secondleg portions 310 a, 310 b extend in a substantially forward directionrelative to the flip flop 220 under the first and second strap portions222 a, 222 b, respectively, with the thong fitting 224 of the flip flop220 extended between the first and second leg portions 310 a, 310 b.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the base portion 308 is folded up and, atleast partially over the first and second strap portions 222 a, 222 band/or part of the thong fitting. This causes the snap-type connections(i.e., 316 a, 316 b), which are on the first major surface 304 of thebase portion 308 to face upward.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the second leg portion 310 b is folded overthe base portion 308 and the snap-type connection on the second legportion 310 b is coupled to the corresponding snap-type connection onthe base portion 308.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the first leg portion 310 a is folded over atleast part of the second leg portion 310 b and the base portion 308 andthe snap-type connection on the first leg portion 310 a is coupled tothe corresponding snap-type connection on the base portion 308.

In the folded configuration of FIG. 4D, the decorative element 112 isexposed for viewing. Moreover, the footwear accessory device 300 istightly coupled to the straps of the flip flop 220. Lateral movementacross the foot of the wearer is substantially prevented by the footwearaccessory device's 300 engagement to the thong fitting 224.

FIGS. 5A to 5D show the footwear accessory device 300 of FIG. 3A beingcoupled to footwear, which in the illustrated example is a sandal 550that includes a single, laterally extending strap 552. In theillustrated example, the strap 552 is coupled to the sole portion 554 ofthe sandal at opposite sides of the sole portion 554. The footwearaccessory device 300 can similarly be coupled to a sandal that includesmultiple straps that extend laterally across a sandal.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show two exemplary ways that the footwear accessory device100 of FIG. 1 can be aligned with a sandal 660 that has a sole portion662 and a different strap design than those discussed above.

In particular, the illustrated strap design includes an ankle strap 664adapted to extend around the ankle of a wearer, a longitudinal strap 664that extends from the ankle strap 664 to a front end of the sole portion662 and a lateral strap 666 that extends laterally across the foot ofthe wearer and is connected at opposite ends to the sole portion 662.The lateral strap 666 is optionally connected to the longitudinal strap664 at their point of intersection.

In FIG. 6, for example, the footwear accessory device 100 is positionedwith its first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b extended frontwardrelative to the sandal close to the intersection of the longitudinalstrap 664 and the lateral strap 666, with each leg portion 110 a, 110 bpositioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal strap 664.

From its configuration shown in FIG. 6, the footwear accessory device100 can be manipulated in much the same way as shown, for example, inFIGS. 2B and 2C to couple the footwear accessory device 100 to thesandal 660.

In FIG. 7, the footwear accessory device 100 is flipped around 180degrees relative to its position in FIG. 6. The first and second legportions 110 a, 110 b extend rearward relative to the sandal 660 closeto the intersection of the longitudinal strap 664 and the lateral strap666, with each leg portion 110 a, 110 b positioned on an opposite sideof the longitudinal strap 664.

From its configuration shown in FIG. 7, the footwear accessory device100 can be manipulated in much the same way as shown, for example, inFIGS. 2B and 2C to couple the footwear accessory device 100 to thesandal 660.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, the size and shape, both relative and actual, of variousparts of the footwear accessory device can be varied considerably. Thematerial used to form the thin, flexible element and the decorativeelements can be a variety of different materials or combinations ofmaterials. The different features disclosed herein in connection withthe different implementations can be combined into various otherimplementations without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thefootwear accessory device can be used to adorn non-footwear (e.g.,backpack straps, etc.). The order of step described in connection withthe techniques disclosed herein may be modified in a variety of ways aswell.

The footwear accessory devices disclosed herein can be used on any typeof footwear including all types of sandals, such as flip flops, singleor multiple strapped sandals, crossed straps, straight straps, etc.

Although the figures show footwear accessory devices being connected toa single item of footwear (e.g., a left foot flip flop), a correspondingfootwear accessory device for the other foot would typically be providedas well. In a typical implementation, the footwear accessory devices foropposite feet would be (but need not be) mirror images of one another.

Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear accessory device comprising: a thin,flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surfaceopposite the first major surface, the flexible element comprising: abase portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of thebase portion; and a second leg portion that extends from the first endof the base portion; a decorative element coupled to the first legportion and exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element;one or more first fastening devices coupled to the base portion; and asecond fastening device coupled to each of the first and second legportions, wherein the one or more first fastening devices are configuredto securely engage each of the second fastening devices.
 2. The footwearaccessory device of claim 1 wherein the thin flexible element is asubstantially non-rigid material.
 3. The footwear accessory device ofclaim 1 wherein the substantially non-rigid material is selected fromthe group consisting of leather, suede, textiles, cloth, wool gabardine,rubber, plastic and the like.
 4. The footwear accessory device of claim1 wherein the substantially non-rigid material comprises a plurality offlat metal links coupled to one another in a manner that facilitatesflexibility.
 5. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 furthercomprising: a coupling agent to couple the decorative element to thefirst leg portion, wherein the coupling agent is selected from the groupconsisting of adhesive material, a sewn thread connection, a hook andloop connection, a snap connection, a button connection, and the like.6. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first legportion and the second leg portion extend from the first end of the baseportion in respective lengthwise directions, and wherein a width of thefirst leg portion is greater than a width of the second leg portion. 7.The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first leg portionis bent at a distal end thereof to define a first foot section, andwherein the second leg portion is bent at a distal end thereof to definea second foot section.
 8. The footwear accessory device of claim 7wherein a width of the first foot section is greater than a width of thesecond foot section.
 9. The footwear accessory device of claim 7 whereinthe decorative element is coupled to the first foot section of the firstleg portion.
 10. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein thefirst leg portion extends from the base portion in a different directionthan the second leg portion.
 11. The footwear accessory device of claim1, wherein a distal end of the first leg portion has two or more sidesthat are contoured so that if the first leg portion is folded over thebase portion and the second fastening device on the first leg portion iscoupled to one or more of the first fastening devices of the baseportion, each of the two or more contoured sides on the distal end ofthe first leg portion is registered with corresponding sides of the baseportion, and wherein a distal end of the second leg portion has two ormore sides that are contoured so that if the second leg portion isfolded over the base portion and the second fastening device on thesecond leg portion is coupled to one of the one or more first fasteningdevices of the base portion, each of the two or more contoured sides onthe distal end of the second leg portion is registered withcorresponding sides of the base portion.
 12. The footwear accessorydevice of claim 1 wherein the second fastening devices are coupled tothe flexible element at one of the first or second major surfacesopposite to the first or a second major surface where the decorativeelement is coupled.
 13. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 whereinthe flexible element is substantially Y-shaped, substantially V-shaped,substantially U-shaped with a curved or substantially flat bottom. 14.The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first and secondfastening devices comprise re-closeable fasteners.
 15. The footwearaccessory device of claim 1 wherein the re-closeable fasteners areselected from the group consisting of hook and loop type fasteningelements, snap-based fasteners, button-based fasteners, hook andeye-based fasteners, thread eye-based fasteners, frog and toggle-basedfasteners.
 16. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein thedecorative element is secured to the second major surface of theflexible element.
 17. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 whereinthe one or more first fastening devices are connected to a first one ofthe first and second major surfaces and wherein the second fasteningdevice is connected to an opposite one of the first and second majorsurfaces.
 18. A method of temporarily decorating footwear, wherein thefootwear comprises a sole portion and one or more straps that arecoupled to the sole and arranged to engage a person's foot, the methodcomprising: providing a footwear accessory device, the footwearaccessory device comprising: a thin, flexible element with a first majorsurface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, theflexible element having a base portion, a first leg portion that extendsfrom a first end of the base portion; and a second leg portion thatextends from the first end of the base portion; a decorative elementcoupled to the first leg portion and exposed at the first major surfaceof the flexible element; one or more first fastening devices coupled tothe base portion; and a second fastening device coupled to each of thefirst and second leg portions, wherein the one or more first fasteningdevices are configured to securely engage each of the second fasteningelements; and securing the footwear accessory device to the footwear byfolding the first leg portion, the second leg portion and/or the baseportion around one or more of the straps on the footwear.
 19. The methodof claim 18 wherein the footwear is a flip flop and the one or morestraps include a thong fitting proximate a front end of the flip flop, afirst strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a first side ofthe sole portion and a second strap portion extending from the thongfitting to a second side of the sole portion, the method comprising:positioning the footwear accessory device so that the first and secondleg portions extend in a substantially forward direction relative to theflip flop under the first and second strap portions, respectively, withthe thong fitting of the flip flop extended between the first and secondleg portions; folding the second leg portion over at least part of thesecond strap portion and fastening the second leg portion to the baseportion; and folding the first leg portion over at least part of thefirst strap portion and part of the second leg portion and fastening thefirst leg portion to the base portion.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein the fastening the second leg portion to the base portion andfastening the first leg portion to the base portion comprises fasteninga hook and loop style fastening means, fastening one or more snapconnections, fastening one or more buttons into button holes, or thelike.
 21. The method of claim 18 wherein the footwear is a sandal withone more substantially straight straps that extend from a first side ofthe sandal to a second side of the sandal to engage a person's foot byextending over the foot, the method comprising: positioning the footwearaccessory device so that the first and second leg portions extend underthe one or more substantially straight straps; folding the first andsecond leg portions over respective parts of the one or moresubstantially straight straps; and fastening the first and second legportions to the base portion.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein the oneor more first fastening devices are connected to a first one of thefirst and second major surfaces and wherein the second fastening deviceis connected to an opposite one of the first and second major surfaces,the method further comprising: folding the base portion over the one ormore straps so that the one or more first fastening devices facesubstantially away from the sole to engage each of the second fasteningdevices.
 23. The method of claim 18 wherein the one or more straps isselected from the group consisting of: one or more substantiallystraight straps, two or more crossed straps; flip-flop style straps,cross-shaped straps and shoelaces.
 24. An assembly comprising: footwearhaving a sole portion and one or more straps coupled to the sole portionand configured to engage a person's foot; and a footwear accessorydevice coupled to the one or more straps, wherein the footwear accessorydevice comprises: a thin, flexible element having a first major surfaceand a second major surface opposite the first major surface, theflexible element comprising: a base portion, a first leg portion thatextends from a first end of the base portion; and a second leg portionthat extends from the first end of the base portion; a decorativeelement coupled to the first leg portion and exposed at the first majorsurface of the flexible element; one or more first fastening devicescoupled to the base portion; and a second fastening device coupled toeach of the first and second leg portions, wherein the one or more firstfastening devices are configured to securely engage each of the secondfastening elements, wherein one or more of the first leg portion, thesecond leg portion and the base portion are folded around the one ormore straps on the footwear.
 25. The assembly of claim 24 wherein thefootwear is a flip flop and the one or more straps comprise a thongfitting proximate a front end of the flip flop, a first strap portionextending from the thong fitting to a first side of the sole portion anda second strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a second sideof the sole portion, wherein the footwear accessory device is positionedso that the first and second leg portions extend from the base portionin a substantially forward direction relative to the flip flop under thefirst and second strap portions, respectively, with the thong fitting ofthe flip flop extended between the first and second leg portions,wherein the second leg portion is folded over at least part of thesecond strap portion and fastened to the base portion, and wherein thefirst leg portion is folded over at least part of the first strapportion and part of the second leg portion and is fastened to the baseportion.
 26. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the thin flexible elementis a substantially non-rigid material selected from the group consistingof leather, suede, textiles, cloth, wool gabardine, rubber, plastic, andthe like.
 27. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the substantiallynon-rigid material comprises a plurality of flat metal links coupled toone another in a manner that facilitates flexibility.
 28. The assemblyof claim 24 wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portionextend from the first end of the base portion in respective lengthwisemanners, and wherein a width of the first leg portion is greater than awidth of the second leg portion.
 29. The assembly of claim 24 whereinthe first leg portion is bent at a distal end thereof to define a firstfoot section, wherein the second leg portion is bent at a distal endthereof to define a second foot section, wherein a width of the firstfoot section is greater than a width of the second foot section andwherein the decorative element is coupled to the first foot section ofthe first leg portion.
 30. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the firstleg portion extends from the base portion at a first angle and whereinthe second leg portion extends from the base portion at a second anglethat is different than the first angle.
 31. The assembly of claim 24wherein a distal end of the first leg portion has two or more sides thatare contoured to register with corresponding sides of the base portion,and wherein a distal end of the second leg portion has two or more sidesthat are contoured to register with corresponding sides of the baseportion.
 32. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the first and secondfastening devices are implemented using a fastening means selected froma group consisting of: adhesive material, hook and loop type fasteningelements, snaps and buttons.
 33. The assembly of claim 24 wherein theone or more straps is selected from the group consisting of: one or moresubstantially straight straps, two or more crossed straps; flip-flopstyle straps, cross-shaped straps and shoelaces.